PALMYRA WATCH: Russian orchestra plays in Palmyra ruins. The performance in the same ancient amphitheater where ISIS militants carried out widely publicized killings was called 'A Prayer for Palmyra'; Putin also addressed the audience by video, saying he regards the concert "as a sign of gratitude, remembrance and hope." (AP). Good. But meanwhile the violence in Syria continues.
Background on this performance is here. And follow the links back from there for much more on the long sad story of Palmyra, its history, the ancient Aramaic dialect spoken there (Palmyrene), and the city's tragic recent fate in the hands of ISIS, followed by its retaking by the Syrian army with the help of the Russians. Let's hope there continue to be happier stories to report from now on.